For 2014, Acura has gone the "extra mile" to make
their vehicles energy efficient. From engine improvements to wind
resistance and road resistance, the changes didn't make vehicles slower or
smaller - actually, most of them got bigger! If you are looking for green Acura
cars, it shouldn't be difficult to find one that you like.

The 2014 Acura MDX

Acura took a few chances in 2014 with their mid-size luxury
crossover and came out ahead with a leaner, greener, winner of a vehicle.
Previously built on the Honda Odyssey platform, the new 2014 Acura MDX is
slightly longer, yet weighs 275 pounds less than last year's model. Other green
improvements include the new 18" and 19" tires which produce 20
percent less rolling resistance than before and a 16 percent improvement in
aerodynamics. Plus, overall load force has been reduced in the 2014 Acura MDX
by 19 percent through reduced friction brakes and bearings. This 3-row,
7-passenger vehicle also now gives owners the option of choosing Front Wheel
Drive, which is another layer of fuel efficiency.

The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid

Except for special logos on the front fenders, it's
difficult to tell the RLX
Sport Hybrid from the regular RLX sedan, but don't be fooled. The
Hybrid has a 7-speed dual clutch transmission with a 47 horsepower electric
motor attached and two 36 horsepower electric motors in the rear which provide
power to each of the back wheels separately. From a stop, usually only
the rear electric motors will be engaged. Then, as acceleration continues, the
engine will be utilized (although under 50 miles per hour it may stay dormant).
A single lithium-ion battery (in the trunk) powers the motors. During
deceleration, the motors charge the battery.

The 2014 Acura RLX

The RLX has a 310 horsepower V-6 engine with Acura's system
for improving engine efficiency by advancing valve timing relative to
engine rpm. High rpm air flow is also enriched by holding open the intakes
deeper and longer at approximately 4500 rpm. Plus, fuel efficiency on the
highway is significantly improved using the RLX's Variable Cylinder Management
system which controls the number of cylinders (three or six) to run on,
depending on the conditions.

Plus, using the Direct Gas Injection system, fuel
that has been injected directly into the cylinder has a cooling effect, which
gives a power-increasing effect without the problems associated with engine
knocking. Most noticeably different, the 2014 RLX is slightly larger than the
prior version, and the backseat has been described as "enormous" -
you may want to see
this for yourself.

The 2014 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Good looking, yet practical, the 201 horsepower, 4-cylinder
TSX Sport Wagon again merges high performance and fuel efficiency, showing off
the best of green Acura cars. For 2014 the Sport Wagon improved its fuel
efficiency rating by switching to lower friction piston rings and lower
viscosity oil and transmission fluid. Other green advances include an engine
made entirely of aluminum (which improves weight distribution across the
vehicle) and the "drive-by-wire" throttle system that allows for a
smooth but powerful response without over use of fuel, as does the Programmed
Fuel Injection system.

For
more information on energy efficient and fun-to-drive green Acura
cars, contact your local Acura dealer and drive one (or two!) for yourself.